Final Sports Sunday before Santa Visits
Yes it’s the most wonderful time of the year but I am not sure my excitement only stems from dreams of sugar plums dancing in my head. There are a lot of great gifts to be had for the sports fan these days. Here are some that have passed my way.
1. A Great Sports Bar Find
Being home for Christmas means limited access to certain sports media and cell phones. (That’s right, there is no Rogers service in Port aux Basques... Stupid Rogers.) Being with family more than makes up for it but the discovery of the One Ton Sports bar may have put me in heaven. It was named for the Hockey Line Name of the three founding fathers. Stopped there for a pint yesterday and it ranks up with any sports bar I have ever been in. Comfortable seating, great bar selection, lots of big screens and an amazing view of the harbor; it might be my new favorite hometown watering hole.
My Wish: A ton of thirsty fans walk through their doors.
2. The 4-5 Kings
Sacramento fired coach Mike Malone this week because they wanted to. Not a disastrous start to the season or he was caught with the owner’s wife, they just wanted someone who will listen to the owner’s ideas about basketball. Vivek Ranadivé bought the team a couple of years ago and he believes he could change the game in the same way Phoenix did Coach D.’s seven seconds or less. He wants to have a permanent cherry picker and play only four defenders like he did with an under 12 girls team. Initially, I thought this was a little elementary but you cannot dismiss a concept if your only idea rebuttal is, ``That`s just stupid!`` Obviously, teams would tell their deepest defender to play safety on every shot attempt and soon it would be ineffective.
But what if you only sent a player when the other team does an isolation. This is a fan compilation of Melo one on one. Watch how many of his teammates look uninvolved and disconnected as he attacks.
Sometimes there are two defenders beyond the other five offenders. If you told the weak side player to break every time there was an isolation, you might be onto something.
My Christmas Wish: NBA Assist Leader Boogie Cousins
3. Sorry Leaf Fans
Last post, I mentioned the recent success of the Leafs and the potential excitement if they became contenders. Since then they have lost two straight. Please don`t blame me if they fall out of the playoffs again. I`m sorry if I jinxed them. I really am!
My Christmas Wish: A Cinderella playoff run for the Buds which ends with a sip from the greatest mug of all.
4. Please Win Arizona
My least favourite NFL team as of late has been Seattle. I don`t enjoy watching them and I certainly don`t enjoy listening to them. If I get an early Christmas wish, it will be an Arizona win tonight. I would love to see Pete Carroll and Richard Sherman enjoying an off season beer while the rest of us are enjoying the playoffs.
My Christmas Wish: A Cardinal Division Title
Other NFL Christmas Wishes
Detroit Wins out
Cowboys get their division with 11 wins. (For Max and the Mike Golic Bet!)
A Buffalo Miracle Playoff entry
Some coal for the Patriots... bah humBelichick
5. Rondo to Dallas
The trade of the last remaining championship Celtic should certainly help the Mavericks. On a team with a lot of shooters, having a pass first point guard might fulfill their Christmas dreams. It might be the first piece to fall in a mountain of potential trades. Brooklyn wants to blow everything up, everyone in the West needs to keep up, many teams in the East believe they are one move away, and Carmelo is going to be Carmelo. I personally believe that any team that makes a team changing trade removes itself from championship contention. Look back for teams that won it all after making a blockbuster trade during the year, there are not a lot.
My Christmas Wish: A resurgence for Rondo and playoff success for the Mavs
Other NBA Christmas Wishes
Less back/nerve pain for Nash!
Success for the young Wolves and Wiggins
A true rebuild for the Celtics!
*Raptor Watch*
Yep, they are still rolling. They have taken on the challenge of bottom feeder week and they continue to win. We have a tough schedule ahead with the Knicks, @Chicago, @Clippers, and @Denver; finish those four 2-2 or greater and I believe they were successful. Keep in mind they are playing without DeRozan.
My Christmas Wish for my Raptors: Continued success, good health, and some well deserved respect!
*Mes Observations des Mes Chevaliers*
Half way through at 4-2 before a well deserved break. The team is sitting in third in their league and playing well. We will need to play exceptionally will to beat one or two but it is possible. We could also give away a few if we lose our focus. 2015 could be a fun year for SFX, I continue to look forward to it.
My Christmas Wish for my Chevaliers: A well deserved Christmas break and a return to success in the New Year!
